European developments in cartography and navigation was a scientific way that aided in transoceanic travel and trade. Through innovative discoveries and findings from other worlds such as the classical, Islamic, and Asian worlds, the Europeans were able to improve and make travel and trade possible. They adapted, improved, and synthesized technologies and knowledge developed in other worlds to advance their own. For example, the astrolabe that originated from Greek and Islam was introduced to Europeans, who used it and altered it to make their own versions, such as the mariner's astrolabe which helped sailors determine their latitude using the stars.
European technological developments were built upon new findings of the world as well as past developments from classical cultures. Using knowledge developed in the classical, Islamic, and Asian worlds, the production of new tools such as the innovative ship designs such as the caravel. Due to its lighter weight and greater speed, the caravel was immensely popular among sailors. It adopted the lateen sail, making ships highly maneuverable and using the wind to sail. The Spanish altered the caravel to make the Spanish galleon, a large multi-deck ship that was the primary vessel of the Spanish Treasure Fleet and could carry large amounts of cargo. These new innovations boosted transoceanic travel.
Knowledge, or rather the European research and study of past knowledge, has also been a crucial factor aiding transoceanic travel and trade. Europeans borrowed the knowledge of Greek cartographers such as Ptolemy, using their calculations and incorporating it into the development of new world maps. They also integrated math processes and principles to calculate distance and resemble geographic features. This new method of map-making revolutionized cartography since merchants could use revised maps to plot new routes and use their experience to further update later maps.
Additionally, an improved understanding of global wind and ocean current patterns allowed sailors to navigate the sea more efficiently and safer. Portuguese sailors noted that using their knowledge of trade winds can benefit them if they used them for sailing rather than going against them. This spread of knowledge on bettering experiences and knowledge aided trade and transoceanic travel.
Additional Notes:
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